New Year's Garbage

The New Year brought with it a whole lot of garbage. In Cagayan de Oro there were piles of uncollected garbage left at the public markets. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1240854

Waste management in this city is the top priority after the New Year celebration, following reports of piles of uncollected trash in public markets.

In a radio interview on Wednesday, Allan Villalba, chief of the City Public Service Office, said the local government's third-party contractor for garbage collection has deployed workers in major public markets and streets to immediately collect the piles of garbage on the first morning of 2025.

"There's more garbage this year because more vendors were selling in the sidewalks than before," he said.

Villalba said two city government departments are already working to speed up garbage collection and street cleaning.

In major public markets, garbage has started accumulating on the sidewalks several hours before the New Year celebration.

Garbage collection in the city is observing a scheduled rotation of trucks by the third-party contractor under the management of Tencil company.

More sidewalk vendors means more people able to sell their products and make a living. It also means more garbage. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1240915

More than 75,000 kg. of waste were collected in this city a day after the New Year celebration.

In a radio interview on Thursday, Jermie Danuco, operations manager of Tencil, a third-party waste collector firm, said the estimated weight of collection came from five public markets in the city but the volume was lower this year than last year.

"Based on the previous action plan, the volume this year was lessened because as early as Dec. 24 (2024), we deployed trucks to collect the garbage in public markets," she said.

The city government awarded Tencil, a private company, to collect and manage waste disposals.

The City Economic Enterprises Department and the City Engineering Office have also been responding to keep the city streets free of garbage.

In another interview, Armen Cuenca, chief of the City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office, suggested limiting the number of vendors selling on the sidewalks to reduce garbage piling during the holiday season.

He said the vendors had been reminded earlier about the importance of waste segregation and keeping it tidy and ready for collection. However, despite these warnings, some still chose not to follow the rules.

75,000 kg of trash were collected mostly from the city's five public markets. The amount of garbage appears to be due to the number of sidewalk vendors which is why chief of the City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office has "suggested limiting the number of vendors selling on the sidewalks to reduce garbage piling during the holiday season." How did they not see this coming?

While the amount of garbage collected in CDO was lower than last year the amount of holiday waste in Iloilo City surged by 20%.

 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1240909

The City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) reported a 10 percent to 20 percent increase in garbage volume during the holiday season, driven largely by unsold fruits and packaging materials.

CENRO head Neil Ravena said most of the waste were rotten or overripe fruits, particularly those used for the traditional New Year displays, such as the 13 round fruits.

“On the other hand, we collected lesser firecracker debris this year. Maybe it was due to the campaign of the Department of Health and the Philippine National Police against the use of firecrackers,” Ravena said in an interview Thursday.

During the peak holiday period from Dec. 24 to Jan. 1, waste collection reached 480 tons daily, up from the usual 400 tons.

About 60 percent of the waste comprised biodegradables, 20 percent were packaging materials such as cartons and styrofoam, and 10 percent were firecracker remnants.

To manage the increase, the city deployed three additional garbage trucks alongside those of a private contractor, focusing on high-traffic areas, such as the terminal market, JM Basa, Iznart, and Delgado streets. By the morning of Jan. 1, major thoroughfares were clean.

Ravena urged residents to dispose of garbage responsibly at designated points and reduce reliance on plastic trays and styrofoam to minimize landfill waste.

The 13 round fruits made up the bulk of the trash. What are the 13 round fruits? 

Eating round fruits on New Year’s Eve is a beloved tradition in many cultures, believed to bring good fortune and prosperity in the coming year. The round shape of these fruits symbolizes unity, completeness, and the cyclical nature of time. In many Spanish-speaking countries, it’s customary to eat 12 round fruits at midnight, one for each stroke of the clock as it strikes midnight. This practice is thought to bring good luck and prosperity in the new year.

In the Philippines, the tradition of eating 12 round fruits is a cherished family custom passed down through generations. The fruits typically include apples, grapes, oranges, watermelon, pomelo, pineapple, pears, golden melon, guava, kiwi, rambutan, chico, and lemons. The round shape of these fruits is believed to symbolize unity and completeness, and eating them is thought to bring good fortune and blessings to the family.

The sweetness of the fruits is also believed to attract positive energy and remove negative energy from the previous year. In some cultures, it’s customary to eat sweet fruits like grapes and pineapple to invite good luck. This tradition is often combined with other auspicious foods to create a bountiful and prosperous New Year’s celebration.

https://blog.atlastravelweb.com/special-interests/festivals-2/lucky-fruits-for-new-years/

Is it 12 or 13? Doesn't matter. Eating these fruits are supposed to be for good luck. Yet the bulk of the garbage was rotten lucky fruit. Go figure. 

In Manila the holiday trash piled up real quick because the contracted garbage collector decided to stop collecting garbage. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1241044

The city government of Manila vowed on Saturday to hold its former garbage collector accountable for failing to perform its duties during the holiday season.

Mayor Honey Lacuna, in a statement, slammed Leonel Waste Management Corporation for abandoning garbage collection responsibilities amidst a 400-percent surge in waste volume during Christmas and New Year celebrations.

“Rest assured, I will not let this sabotage pass and those responsible will be held accountable,” Lacuna said.

She said two firms, MetroWaste and PhilEco Systems Corporation, are currently trying to clear Manila’s streets of garbage 24/7.

The mayor assured residents that those responsible for the lapse would face accountability.

"We will address the negligence of the previous garbage collector. Now, we have two contractors, MetroWaste and PhilEco, ensuring that the city is cleaned efficiently," she added.

Lacuna also encouraged residents to report uncollected garbage to the city’s Department of Public Services and Task Force Against Road Obstruction.

Lacuna said PhilEco Systems Corporation and MetroWaste have expedited the collection of garbage that piled up after the revelries as she assured the city government’s continued commitment to ensuring efficient garbage collection across all districts.

Leonel Waste Management Corporation says they did not abandon their duties. Rather, they claim the City of Manila owes them 561,440,000 pesos and they gave a notice in September 2024 they would not be doing trash duty after December 31st

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2021925/manila-ex-waste-contractor-denies-abandoning-duty-cites-payment-issues

The previous waste management contractor in the City of Manila has disputed allegations that it abandoned its duty to collect trash, maintaining that it informed the local government that it would no longer serve the city once the contract ended on December 31.

In a statement on Monday, Leonel Waste Management Corporation (Leonel) clarified that they met with Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna in September 2024 to tell her that they will not participate in the new contract bidding for the city’s trash collector, as the local government has failed to pay them for months.

“We are deeply concerned that news is circulating that we abandoned our duty with the City of Manila before our contract ended on December 31, 2024. We strongly refute this accusation, which grossly undermines the hard work and efforts of all our garbage collectors, who we thank deeply for their outstanding service,” Leonel said.

“Last September 2024, we met with Mayor Lacuna informing her that we will not participate in the 2025 bidding because of the City’s mounting unpaid obligations to Leonel, in order to give the City enough time to prepare and ensure a smooth transition to the new service provider,” it added.

According to the company, it instructed employees to continue working during the holiday season until the end of the contract period on December 31, even though Manila’s unpaid obligations had risen to P561.4 million.

“In fact, last December 23, 2024, when we announced to our employees that our contract of service is ending on December 31, 2024, we mandated them to continue doing our usual services until the end of our contract, especially in anticipation of the usual surge of garbage brought about by the holiday season,” Leonel said.

“Our company, Leonel, has always put our clients first and has never, nor will ever, abandon our duty of garbage collection. We have faithfully served our contract until December 31, 2024, despite the City of Manila’s total debt to our company amounting to PhP561,440,000,” it added.

Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna denies such a massive debt is owed. Either way these are just a highlights of the Holiday Waste problem which troubles the Philippines every year. 

New Year's Violence

The New Year started off with a bang in the Philippines. In one Cotabato town that bang was a grenade blast which killed one and injured five. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2020411/1-dead-5-injured-in-cotabato-town-carnival-blast

One person died while at least five others were wounded in a grenade explosion in a carnival here, minutes before the New Year.

Vice Mayor Ralph Ryan Rafael said the blast occurred at about 11:50 p.m. in a crowded carnival area in Sitio Condring, Barangay Marbel.

Police identified the blast fatality as Romel Presto Cabiso, a resident of Barangay Marbel.

The blast happened while revelers were preparing to welcome 2025.

Police personnel who immediately responded to the scene helped bring the injured victims to hospital.

“Sad to say, this heartbreaking incident happened just before the New Year – a time that should be filled with hope, joy, and togetherness,” Rafael said in a statement.

“The family of the victim deserves answers, and our community deserves to feel safe,” Rafael said.

“Let this be a reminder that peace is not the responsibility of one, but the duty of all. We must stand together, united by the desire for a safe and harmonious community,” Rafael added.

“I call on everyone to remain vigilant and supportive of efforts to strengthen security in our area,” Rafael further said.

What a way to ring in the New Year. No word on who tossed the grenade.

Two cousins were ringing in the New Year by drinking liquor. But then they got into an argument about a past argument and stabbed each other. 

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/614946/new-years-day-stabbing-kills-2-in-toledo-city

Two cousins shared liquor to welcome the new year.

But Lino, 50, and Berto, 45, ended up stabbing each other after one of them mentioned of a previous quarrel that they’ve had which started an argument that turned bloody on New Year’s Day, according to Police Lieutenant Colonel Wilfredo Alarcon Jr., chief of Toledo City Police Station.

Lino’s brother, Andy, intervened and ended up killing their cousin Berto.

The stabbing incidents happened in Sitio Puro, Brgy. Lower Awihao in Toledo City at around 2 a.m. on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.

All of the three men were from Sitio Puro, Alarcon said.

The police chief said that Lino and Berto shared liquor on New Year’s Eve, but they later on argued over a past disagreement.

Alarcon said that Lino brought out the kitchen knife that he was carrying with him and tried to stabbed Berto.  However, Berto managed to grab the knife and stabbed Lino several times which caused his immediate death.

The commotion caught the attention of Andy, came to Lino’s rescue.  Andy, who was nearby, grabbed the knife from Berto and stabbed him several times.

Berto also died from multiple stab wounds on his body.

Toledo City police are currently preparing for the filing of a homicide charge against Andy, whom they arrested in his residence on Wednesday morning.

Funny that the police are filing homicide charges against Andy. Did they consult the family first?

A couple in Naga City began the New Year with a murder/suicide. 

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/614947/new-years-day-tragedy-in-naga-city-luzon-guard-stabs-wife-shoots-self

A security guard reportedly took his own life after stabbing his wife on New Year’s Day.

According to a report on Wednesday, January 1, Naga City police stated that Erick Candare shot himself in the head with a 9 mm firearm in Barangay Tinago around 8 a.m.

Initial investigation shows that before he killed himself, Candare stabbed his wife, Editha, 42, due to a misunderstanding in their house in Barangay Balatas around 6 a.m.

He went back to his workstation and told the on-duty security guard that he would kill himself, knowing he would be jailed for stabbing his wife.

The investigation is ongoing.

That is some kind of misunderstanding which can lead to such a tragic outcome. 

In Rizal a girl and her boyfriend were hacked to death just after midnight on New Year's. 

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2025/1/2/man-hacks-dead-stepdaughter-on-new-year-s-day-2301

A 19-year-old woman was killed after being attacked with a jungle bolo by her 44-year-old stepfather on January 1 in Brgy. Sta. Ana, Taytay, Rizal.

According to Taytay Police Chief Lt. Col. Marlo Solero, around 4 a.m. on New Year's Day, both the suspect and the victim hosted guests and celebrated in separate groups outside the house where they worked as caretakers.

"The suspect had a guest, then there was a drinking party and then there was also a group that was the victim's group with her boyfriend and then her other guests," Solero said.

The victim and the suspect got into a heated argument before the suspect followed the victim and her boyfriend with a jungle bolo, which the victim's family said they regularly use for farming.

"So when the boyfriend went out to buy a drink, the suspect followed him with his jungle bolo and slashed the victim several times. The cause of death was the blow to the head," Solero said.

The boyfriend tried to intervene but sustained injuries on his right arm. He is currently recovering in the hospital.

Eduardo Apostol, a subdivision guard who witnessed the incident, recounted seeing the suspect chasing her stepdaughter's boyfriend.

"Someone came out of the gate chasing, one with a brain and the other with a brain." "That guy might reach him. When he got to the road, the person holding the itak was out of balance and couldn't reach the victim," he said.

He witnessed the suspect fleeing as the man called for help. Moments later, the woman, covered in blood , was seen stumbling out of the subdivision gate before collapsing.

Apostol added that there was a trail of blood inside the subdivision near the gate.

"It means the woman has already been reached. The woman has been raped," he said.

The victim's aunt believes jealousy was the motive behind the attack and shared that the victim had confided in her about being harassed by the suspect.

"Reported "The kid is really mine..all I know is that he's just being jealous," she said.

The victim's mother and father expressed their anger.

"I want to kill him instead of my life." "If only he could," the mother said.

"He's so cowardly that he would kill the child without realizing it," the father said.

The police have launched a manhunt for the suspect, who will face murder and frustrated murder charges.

Seems like he wanted to be much more than a stepfather. 

Two CAFGU members were murdered on New Year's. One was shot in the head at 12:01 a.m. after an argument while drinking.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2020525/cafgu-member-shot-dead-at-new-year-celebration-in-zamboanga-del-sur

A member of the Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit (Cafgu) was shot dead exactly at the turn of New Year 2025 in Barangay Poblacion, Sominot town, Zamboanga del Sur.

Bernardo Ganar, 35, resident of Midsalip town and detailed security of Sominot Mayor Johnriel Melo, was drinking with friends to celebrate the New Year when argued with a fellow drinker who shot him on the head at 12:01 a.m. on January 1.

Lt. Col. Rolando Vargas Jr., commander of the Philippine Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion, said Ganar was rushed to a hospital in Pagadian City, but was declared dead by the attending physician.

Vargas said Ganar was also assigned to the Army’s Balunay detachment in Midsalip.

The Sominot police arrested a certain Jason, 51, who was identified as the gunman, according to Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Office Director Col. Restituto Pangusban. The suspect is a resident of Sominot town.

The suspect is still being held at the Sominot Municipal Police Station for further investigation and for the filing of appropriate charges against him.

Another was stabbed in the armpit after being warned about his loud motorcycle pipe.

https://mb.com.ph/2025/1/2/cafgu-stabbed-dead-on-new-year-s-day

27-year-old member of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary was allegedly stabbed to death by a carpenter on New Year’s Day in Purok Cubay, Barangay Santa Rosa, Murcia, Negros Occidental.

Police Capt. Honey Labaro, deputy chief of the Murcia Municipal Police Station, said the 33-year-old suspect warned the victim about the noise of his open pipe motorcycle.

A heated argument ensued and the suspect stabbed the victim in the left armpit. The victim was taken to a hospital where he was declared dead.

The murder weapon – a folding knife – was recovered in the crime scene and the suspect was arrested in pursuit operation.

At least these two CAFGU soldiers weren't killed by the NPA.

Despite all this violence the PNP says New Year's celebrations were "generally and relatively peaceful."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1240844

The Philippines welcomed 2025 in a "generally and relatively peaceful" way with no major untoward incidents, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Wednesday.

“As of 6 a.m. of January 1, reports reaching us indicate that New Year’s day was generally peaceful. We did not receive any report of any significant untoward incident. We have 1,360 recorded cases of illegal possession, use and sale of firecrackers,” PNP spokesperson and information chief Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo told reporters.

Fajardo said a total of 593,094 illegal firecrackers have been seized with an estimated value of PHP3,922,678 while 73 individuals were arrested.

The police also recorded 27 cases of indiscriminate firing that resulted in five injuries, while 21 persons were apprehended and 17 firearms were confiscated.

Of the 21 persons arrested, 18 were civilians while the rest are a security guard, a police officer from Calabarzon, and an officer of the Bureau of Corrections in Zamboanga Peninsula, said Fajardo.

There were also six stray bullet injuries, 297 firecracker-related injuries, and one death due to firecrackers.

Fajardo noted that the 27 cases of indiscriminate firing is higher than the 20 recorded last year, though the number of injuries was down to five from seven last year.

PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil previously ordered all police units across the country to prioritize public safety during the New Year celebrations

Isn't it great how the PNP says, "We did not receive any report of any significant untoward incident," and then goes on to list all the sampling of all the violence which occured ? And what is "significant?" A terrorist attack? 

Christmas Violence in the Philippines

There is no song that encapsulates the Spirit of Christmas more than Silent Night. The song has lyrics about peace and holiness and stillness because Christ has been born. In the Philippines there is no Silent Night. It's as loud as New Year's with firecrackers scaring the heck out of my dogs. Elsewhere it was a bit more violent. 

A Philippine Coast Guard chaplain on his way home after saying three midnight Masses on Christmas Eve felt dizzy and unwell. So, he pulled over to park and sleep. When he awoke at 5 a.m. "his smart watch worn on his wrist, a black tactical bag containing cash amounting to P200,000, cellular phone, personal IDs, and ATM cards were missing."

https://mb.com.ph/2024/12/26/chaplain-robbed-while-resting-inside-his-car-in-pasay-city

A Philippine Coast Guard Chaplain who felt dizzy after officiating three midnight masses was robbed while resting inside his car in Pasay City on Dec. 24.

Pasay City Police chief, Col. Samuel Pabonita, identified the victim as alias “Lt. Alvin”, 37, and residing at the Coast Guard Base in Parola Delpan, Tondo, Manila.

Pabonita said the suspect was identified as alias “Joseph”, 20. He was arrested at around 7:00 p.m. at Maginhawa St., Malate, Manila on Dec. 15.

Investigation showed that victim felt dizzy while enroute to his home onboard his pickup truck and decided to park along Roxas Boulevard to rest and sleep. 

Upon waking up at 5:00 a.m. on Dec. 24, his smart watch worn on his wrist, a black tactical bag containing cash amounting to P200,000, cellular phone, personal IDs, and ATM cards were missing.

The city police said after the incident was reported, a follow up operation was conducted by reviewing the CCTV footage of the area of the incident, including Barangays 76, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 26 which led to the identification and arrest of the suspect.

Recovered from the him were the victim’s Huawei wristwatch, Huawei cellular phone, P5,100 which is part of the stolen cash, the suspect's black long-sleeved shirt, black and white slippers, and the bicycle used in the crime.

Thank goodness the cops recovered the bicycle used in the crime as well as the criminal's clothes. People say don't blame the victim but why did the chaplain think it was safe to sleep in his car? Did he lock his doors? Were his windows smashed? Did he think to hide his things? Why did he have P200,000 in cash!? So many unanswered questions.

In Caloocan City the solemn Misa De Gallo celebration ended in a brawl. Twice. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/12/23/simbang-gabi-ends-in-brawl-in-caloocan-city

Nearly 40 individuals engaged in a brawl after a celebration of the Misa De Gallo in Caloocan City last week.

Churchgoers of St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish were seen walking along Bautista Avenue in Brgy. 79, Caloocan City last Thursday, Dec. 19, when a Molotov cocktail was suddenly thrown into the ground causing the crowd to panic and run.

A passerby was able to avoid the incendiary device which hit a wall.

Shortly after, other minors joined in on the riot, and objects were seen being thrown between the teen gangs.

According to village chief Ezra Cruz, this is not the first time it has happened in the barangay. 

“So, they went to church here... they tease each other and on their way home, they would meet here, and throw objects here,” he said.

One of the minors involved in the rumble said the other group wants to beat up one of their peers after mass.

“We were just attending mass and they didn’t seem to like us. What happened was they wanted to beat up one of our peers,” he said. 

“We only defended ourselves, they started it” he added.

According to the barangay, police officers, and tanods who were patrolling the area that night, the rioters waited for them to pass by before causing trouble.

After the incident, the barangay doubled its presence. 

The Northern Police District (NPD) also deployed personnel near churches in the area.

“We have police officers deployed in case of a riot or disturbance [so they can] respond immediately," NPD's Chief Public Information Officer Lt. Gladys Co said.

Last week, another riot involving minors was reported in the city after churchgoers from San Roque Cathedral gathered in Barangay 13 after a disagreement with the group. Almost 10 individuals were identified to be involved.

Molotov cocktails? Merry Christmas indeed. 

In another brawl a teenager was stabbed dead. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/12/25/teenager-stabbed-dead-in-christmas-eve-brawl

A 16-year-old teenager was stabbed dead and his companion was injured during a Christmas Eve youth club party brawl in Barangay District here.

Police identified the fatality as Denver Rivera.

Initial investigation disclosed that the suspect John and the victim’s companion Ericson Datinguinoo, 24, were attending the party when a heated argument erupted and resulted into a fist fight around 3 a.m.

The suspect drew a cutter knife and stabbed Datinguinoo in the back.

Rivera and friends arrived to pacify the commotion but the suspect suddenly stabbed him in the chest. 

He was taken to the Batangas Provincial Hospital here where he was declared dead. Datinguinoo was sent to the Lemery Doctor’s Medical Hospital.

The suspect fled on foot towards the direction of Taal town.

Police are conducting follow-up investigation.

Maybe 16-year-olds should not be given a place to party util 3 a.m. on Christmas Eve or any eve. 

One family had the gift of violence bought directly to them as their patriarch was shot dead in front of their eyes. 

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/614058/dalaguete-shooting-man-killed-in-front-of-family-on-christmas-eve

A farmer and his family from Dalaguete town, southern Cebu were patiently waiting for the clock to strike twelve on Christmas Day when two unidentified men barged in and killed the family’s patriarch. 

After witnessing her husband’s killing, the victim’s terrified wife laid his body next to her and their kids and slept until Christmas morning.   

The fatal Dalaguete shooting incident happened in Sitio Bantolayan, Brgy. Dumalan on Tuesday evening, December 24. 

However, it was only reported to local police on Wednesday morning, December 25.

The deceased victim was identified as 43-year-old Loudeseso Sanoy Amaba, a farmer and resident of the barangay.

Amaba lived in a hut in the mountain barangay with his wife and their four kids, aged 8, 6, 4, and 2. 

According to police, the victim was lying on a folding bed while his wife and children were sleeping on their bed on the night of the incident. 

One hour before Christmas Day arrived, two men with cloths covering their faces reportedly barged inside the house, startling the family awake.

The assailants, armed with an unknown caliber of firearms, allegedly shot Amaba multiple times on his head, stomach, and shoulder. He died on the spot. 

All of this was witnessed by Amaba’s wife and children, who were spared by the assailants and were left unharmed. 

After Amaba collapsed on the ground, the assailants hurriedly escaped on foot. 

Terrified for the safety of the children, the victim’s wife did not dare to go out during the night as the nearest other house was around one kilometer away. 

After managing to get the kids to sleep, the wife then took her husband’s dead body and laid it next to them while waiting for morning to come. 

At around 9:20 a.m. on the next day, the wife was able to seek help and report the Dalaguete shooting incident to local police. 

During the assessment of the crime scene, police officers recovered two pieces of empty cartridges believed to be of a .45 caliber pistol and one slug of an unknown caliber of firearm.

According to police, the victim’s wife disclosed that her husband has had arguments with some individuals in the past. 

With this information, police are investigating the names that the wife provided them in order to find a lead that could identify the suspects behind the Dalaguete shooting which resulted to Amaba’s untimely demise.

Dalaguete is a first-class municipality located approximately 90 kilometers south of Cebu City. 

These people were so scared to go out that they slept with the body next to them and waited to report the crime in the morning. 

A girl who had been out caroling accepted a ride home from two young men on their motorcycle. She ended up being raped.

https://mb.com.ph/2024/12/27/teenage-girl-raped-on-christmas-eve

A 13-year-old girl was allegedly raped on Baywalk here on Christmas Eve. 

Police Lt. Col. Amor Mio Somine, Lingayen chief of police, said that the incident happened at around 10 p.m. 

Somine said the victim was on her way home with two friends after caroling when two young men offered to drive her home on a motorcycle.

The victim was left with another friend and the suspect. 

The suspect, identified as Roniel, and the victim were left behind and instead of being transported home, she was taken to the seaside where she was raped.

The suspect received a call from a friend who said the victim was his relative. The suspect brought the victim home.

Mayor Leopoldo Bataoil of Lingayen issued a 24-hour ultimatum for the suspect to surrender.

The girl and the suspect are related but it's not clear how. 

Two people were wounded and 4 hurt in a Christmas Eve shooting in Quirino.

https://mb.com.ph/2024/12/24/2-dead-4-hurt-in-christmas-eve-shooting

Gunmen shot and killed two persons and wounded four others in a compound in Barangay Villa Norte here on Christmas Eve.

Police identified the fatalities as Crisel P. Cayong, 26; and Ej Rodriguez, 19.

Wounded were  Kesha, 19; June Dave, 26; Edward, 26; and Mike, 23.

The suspects were identified as Dave, assigned to the RMFB-15, PRO-Cordillera; Mark, 35; Waller, 31; Tirio, 61; Ramil, 19; Camilo, 56; Wyfred, 36; Jay- R, 38; Afran, 21, and  Tukuwhile Hudson, 23.

The suspects, except for Hudson, were apprehended onboard a getaway in Barangay Palacian, Aglipay, Quirino.

Suspects were brought to the Maddela Police Station for proper disposition and filing of appropriate cases.

Follow-up investigation is ongoing.

Is Dave a cop? It sure does seem so. 

In a final story there was no violence but the unwrapping of a gift as it were. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2018993/bones-of-salvage-victims-discovered-in-sarangani-on-christmas-day

Bones of alleged salvage victims (Filipino jargon for summary execution of accused criminals) were found buried in a lot in Sarangani province on Wednesday, Dec. 25, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Friday.

The PNP-Crime Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said it received information about a suspected burial site at Purok 5, Barangay Baluntay in Alabel town, and promptly launched an operation.

It said law enforcers conducted the verification of the report on Wednesday evening, and eventually, “several skeletal remains were recovered during the operation.”

PNP-CIDG’s Sarangani provincial officer Major Jun Fortunato later told INQUIRER.net via Viber that the human bones belonged to two individuals.

“Law enforcement personnel secured the area and began [the] exhumation with the assistance of forensic experts,” the PNP-CIDG said in a statement Friday.

“The crime scene remains under investigation, and additional updates will be provided as the case progresses,” it added.

PNP-CIDG Director Brigadier General Nicolas Torre III said a witness named “Dodong” “tentatively identified” one of the remains as a certain “Jomar.”

Torre added that “Jomar” was a resident of Bentung, Polomok, South Cotabato, who was reported missing for two to three months and was last seen riding a white Rouser motorcycle.

However, Torre clarified that “[t]he identification is subject to confirmation through further forensic analysis.”

Torre also said the investigation will continue to “uncover the truth and uphold the rule of law.”

What a Christmas Day discovery.

Despite all the violence the DILG has hailed the PNP for an incident-free Christmas.  

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1240642

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) hailed the Philippine National Police (PNP) for a peaceful Christmas celebration.

In a statement Friday, DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the PNP’s deployment of some 40,000 police officers in strategic areas resulted in zero untoward incidents on Christmas Eve.

He also supported the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines in their non-declaration of suspension of offensive police operations and suspension of offensive military operations.

“As we continue to celebrate this joyful season, I urge the men and women of the PNP to continue its heightened security measures following the declaration of no holiday ceasefire by the Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People’s Army,” Remulla said.

He assured the public that the DILG, PNP and other law enforcement entities will remain vigilant to protect the public and communities from those who will try to disturb the peace.

“As we face the coming new year, the DILG is with you as we continue our journey toward a truly peaceful, prosperous and progressive New Philippines.”

Incident-free Christmas? What is he referring to? Clearly Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were filled with violence for some people. These are likely not the only incidents of violence that happened. Of course if you repeat a lie long enough it becomes the truth. 

Egregiously False Philippine Independence Day Remarks

It is an indisputable fact of history that the Philippines did not become an independent and sovereign nation until July 4th, 1946. This fact of history was erased by President Diosdado Macapagal when he issued a proclamation declaring June 12th, 1898 to be the real independence day which was done in response to the US government's failure to pay a $73 million debt. 

The effects of that proclamation have been far reaching. In effect Macapagal erased a large part of Philippine history. At least it is erased every June 12th when Filipinos around the world pretend the Philippines has been independent since 1898. It does not help that the international community assists in this delusion by offering their congratulations each year on June 12th. This denial of history is heard clearly in the independence day speeches of politicians across the country. Here are three samples.

First from President Marcos. 

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/06/12/2362292/true-freedom-lies-filipinos-who-fight-squarely-every-day-marcos

Marcos recounted the declaration of Philippine independence that took place in Kawit, Cavite 126 years ago.

“It heralded the birth of the Philippines and declared to the world the untiring resolve of the Filipinos to chart their own destiny as a sovereign nation,” Marcos said.

“A century and a quarter has passed since we unshackled the chains of subjugation yet the fervor of nationalism persistently burns brightly in each of us today. We stand united as ever, upholding with pride the hard-earned liberty bequeathed to us by our forebears,” he added.

125 years "has passed since we unshackled the chains of subjugation?" Did Marcos forget about the Philippine-American war? Did he forget about the American Colonial period? That is a rather blatant denial of history and those who lived through it. Of course his remarks could be interpreted to mean it has been 125 years since the Spanish yoke was thrown off and there is a direct line between the declaration of the First Philippine Republic and the current one. But it is very doubtful that is what he means because he makes no caveats to indicate that is the case. 

Vice President Sara Duterte's remarks cannot be interpreted so generously. Her remarks are a flat out lie. 

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/909818/vp-sara-on-independence-day-remember-the-ideals-we-fight-for/story/

Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday urged the public to remember the heroism of the country's forefathers as the Philippines marked its 126 years of independence.

Speaking in a ceremony in Davao City for the Independence Day celebration, Duterte said that the freedom that Filipinos experience now is a result of the efforts of the country's ancestors to reclaim their rights and to govern the country as a sovereign nation. 

“Today we are gathered to commemorate 126 years of sovereignty, as well as to honor this great legacy left to us by our forefathers who displayed true courage, bravery, and patriotism,” she said in her speech.

“On Independence Day, we do not only celebrate our liberation but also place emphasis on the importance of remembering the adversities we have overcome and the ideals we fight for.” 

126 years of sovereignty!? What!? No. Absolutely not. The Philippines has not been sovereign for 126 years. Like Marcos she is denying the Philippine-American war and the subsequent American occupation. And she wants "to honor this great legacy left to us by our forefathers who displayed true courage, bravery, and patriotism?" You cannot do that by denying history. 

Learning from history is, ironically, a mainstay of Philippine Independence Day speeches which emphatically deny the true history of the Philippines. Listen to the governor of Mayor of Puerto Princessa.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1950898/let-history-serve-as-inspiration-of-today-puerto-princesa-mayor

Mayor Lucilo Bayron of this city urged locals to draw inspiration from history in facing present challenges at the celebration of the 126th Independence Day of the country from Spanish rule at the Rizal Park on Wednesday morning (June 12).

Bayron said Independence Day is celebrated “in honor of the heroic deeds of the past generation that paved the way to the birth of the country’s freedom that was attained through sacrifices of blood, sweat and tears.”

He told the crowd in his speech that the celebration is also commemoration of a united journey and cause that binds Filipinos as one.

“Let us darw strength from our history and let our ancestor’s bravery serve as our inspiration to face the present challenges with the same passion,” Bayron said.

Like Marcos these remarks can be generously interpreted to mean, not that the Philippines actually obtained independence, but that the path was set towards independence. However, even that interpretation is wrong. 

President Diosdado Macapagal, in his very first June 12th Independence Day speech, has some interesting remarks to say about learning from history. 

It is noteworthy that no one among the half-dozen great heroes of our history, Rizal, Aguinaldo, Bonifacio, Lapu-Lapu, Abad Santos and Quezon, has played a role in the Republic that we administer today. This fact emphasizes the responsibility which devolves upon us to whom they bequeathed the fruits of their heroic labors to fashion this Republic as an instrument for the welfare and happiness of our people.

http://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1962/06/12/address-of-president-macapagal-on-independence-day/

Thus, the very man who set the nation on a path to denying its past admitted that the heroes of the past have NO CONNECTION to the current Philippine Republic, the one born in 1946. He was able to say that because he did not have 48 years of indoctrination and erasure of history to contend with. Unless the date of independence is reverted to July 4th, 1946 and Filipinos are forced to deal with the real history of the Philippines these lies will continue to the detriment of everyone.